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      09-22-2019, 11:28 AM   #1
littleump
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steering wheel leather longevity?

longevity haha what a word ! my x3 only has 13k on it but sat in a car with 4k and the leather has changed so much in mine, i use dr leather wipes ect but wondering what anyone else uses to keep the matt effect of the leather steering wheel?
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      09-22-2019, 01:04 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by littleump View Post
longevity haha what a word ! my x3 only has 13k on it but sat in a car with 4k and the leather has changed so much in mine, i use dr leather wipes ect but wondering what anyone else uses to keep the matt effect of the leather steering wheel?
That's one thing I really Audi beats BMW for. My A6s always had perforated leather on the wheel and always looked "fresh". My 335d MSport wheel now looks old and shiny (at 3yrs, 48,000 miles) and I'd love to know if there is a way to avoid this.

Whisper it, but I've even chanelled my inner Alan Partridge and wondered whether driving gloves would help? (Sorry if that reference makes no sense outside the UK! )
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      09-22-2019, 01:14 PM   #3
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Have you used a protector on the leather?
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      09-22-2019, 02:36 PM   #4
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I don't put anything on the wheel of either vehicle and both still have the flat finish and look perfect. I just watch for abrasive things that might mar the finish or puncture it. The car has 85,000km and the wheel is still mint.
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      09-22-2019, 02:56 PM   #5
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When it gets really shiny, cleaning it with methylated spirits bring it back to a matte finish. Then protect with Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather Sealant or similar.
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      09-22-2019, 06:32 PM   #6
jlin101
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I'm sure many people here have opinions are various expensive leather care products for their car. I've found that el cheapo Mothers VLR VinylLeatherRubber Care does a good job cleaning and conditioning the steering wheel without leaving any oily feeling or shine. The trick is to apply it more as a cleaner than a conditioner.
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      09-23-2019, 11:57 AM   #7
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another "cheepo" here - Mr Clean Magic Eraser

(not my video)
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      09-23-2019, 12:15 PM   #8
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I just use a microfiber and basic interior cleaner and wipe it down whenever I clean the inside of the car.
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      10-05-2019, 03:45 PM   #9
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someone else posting this idea and it worked amazing. my wheel was really shinny and it was suggested to boil hot water in a kettle and put in in a bowl. use a microfiber cloth dip in in the boiling water and rub the steering wheel with some agression keeping the end of the cloth with the boiling water on it. re dipping as needing. steering wheel came out matte as new and no chemicals to damage it.
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      10-05-2019, 05:18 PM   #10
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Some concerning posts in here regarding the care of leather.

Do not use a magic eraser. They are abrasive and will wear away the top coat of the leather. Maybe not the first time, but it will happen.

Modern auto leather is coated and should be cleaned and protected. There is no need to use a conditioner as it will sit on the surface and attract more dirt.

Protection is key, particularly on steering wheels as the oils from your skin can damage the finish.
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      10-06-2019, 07:45 AM   #11
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Agree with fricfacfrank. Microfiber towel dampened with water, and the steering wheel looks and feels like new. Works on the bimmer and the Benz.

Cleaning solutions are unnecessary.
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      10-06-2019, 07:54 AM   #12
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Also, make sure you have clean hands before getting in the car !

It sounds obvious, but you pick up so much grease through the day from eating, touching your face, door handles etc !
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      10-06-2019, 10:53 AM   #13
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Agree with davidoff86. It's not the leather. It's what comes in contact with the leather. Remove what has come in contact with the leather, using plain water and a microfiber towel, and the leather returns to nearly new condition.

Scratches and scuffs from sharp objects, such as jewelry, are another matter.
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      10-06-2019, 11:48 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedPepper View Post
That's one thing I really Audi beats BMW for. My A6s always had perforated leather on the wheel and always looked "fresh". My 335d MSport wheel now looks old and shiny (at 3yrs, 48,000 miles) and I'd love to know if there is a way to avoid this.

Whisper it, but I've even chanelled my inner Alan Partridge and wondered whether driving gloves would help? (Sorry if that reference makes no sense outside the UK! )

Yeah I must say I never had any issues with Audi Quattro steering wheels up to and over 40-50, 000 miles.
But my 530 M sport steering wheel has been replaced twice, once as I saw a scratch on delivery and then at around 20,000 miles when it was scuffed - leather seems to be such poor quality, I guess its the same wheel in the X3 I am getting so need to be careful I guess.
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